New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-07-03

cept me, you will think, sec why Tor the Ipcnc"
we ought to keep the fact of our being married
secret
The terms In which he expressed his proposal
seem, T must confess rather commonplace and pro
saic on paper. But he icrl<cd the sentences out a.
il he were pleading for his lifc-and there is,
SUPPOSE, a good deal in the manner In which sucf
things are said. AT all events Miss Seymour was
visibly affected for she sat in her chair silent and
trembling, with the tears running down her pale
checks.
"For heavens sake forgive me If have beer
prcs,imptuous. You do not know how honor YOU
he exclaimed
mo, no." she answered quietly. "You have
done me the greatest horror man can do To
woman. But am only a poor girl. Why should
one like you link yourself to me? Besides, you
know nothing about me at present.
II know you as well If had known You FOR
thousand years. And if lived for q thousand
years you would be my wife at the end, he said
taking her hand in his.
She suffered it TO remain there for moment, and
then withdrew it quickly, and brushed the tears
from her eyes, saying: II have no one to advise
me, but it would be cruel and unjust for me To
accept your offer now. We must, both OF us, have
time to think. For the present we may consider
your proposal as If it had not been made. III you
would like to renew it at some future time may
be able TO give you an answer. But you must
regard yourself being perfectly free to do as you
must consider that you not in the slightest
degree bound by what has happened. You have
made me a most 1attering proposal, and have
at least for the present-dccined it, though, be-
lieve me- with every sentiment Of gratitude, and
with the deepest sense Of the honor you have done
me-"
II am not very ficlSle.' said Mr.. Oldham. "My
sentiments will remain unchanged. But how long
viii it be before you can give me an answer 2"
II have given you an answer she replied.
with the deepest gratitude decline your kind
proposal
"Nonsensel |" he cried that is not fair You
gave me hopes that l might be successful at somc
future time. ! want to know how long you think
the probation ought To last p'
II did not speak Of any probation" said Miss
Seymour; II said we must consider the matter rs
if it had not been. You are quite free. III ever
YOU renew the subject, it must be after you have
been away from Margate-after you have been
amongst other people and other scenes
"Isce.o he rerlicd. IL understand and respect
your wishes. You shall have proof of my con-
stancy. And now, whilst l am in Maryate, cannot
we meet little oftener? Do not be afraid that L
shall be ungenerous enough to allude to the SUD-
ject. But, surely, might see each other occa-
sonally-merely as fnends'
II should be very happy to do so,' said Miss
Seymour; "but II ia very difficult for me to know
how to act. Ny aunt is So She paused for an
adjective, and Mr.. Oldham broke In
$50 censorious so ready to think that every
body ought to be an old maid like herself
"No, no. You must not speak In that way,
INTERRUPTED Miss Seymour "She Is q very good
woman. You don't know her. II she knew every
thing, am sure she would see no objection in our
meeting occasionally. But she can't. and, knowing
no moro than she docs, she would naturally object
il were seen much In your society,"
And so Oh, aud SO on. The old story
When the man wills the woman obeys.
20 hpr
evening" Mr.. oldham meeting her at n little dis
TANGO from Fort Crescent, and saw each other n
good deal ut his desire the Monday and Tuesday.
On Wednesday morning they spent nearly an hour
together while Miss Darrell out shopping. Miss
Seymour wanted him TO stay away for at least n
month but he insisted on returning on the follow
ing Monday. and they parted that afternoon with
out any aluson being made to the subject which
was uppermost in both their minds.
On Thursday evening he met his father mt Pad
dington. Since the death OF his wife, some hve
years before the date speaking OF. Mr.. Oldham
senior had given up his establishment in Grosvenor
square, and lived chiefly at the Langham and
WestmInste Palace Hotels They drove 10 the
latter, where they dined together and sat chatting
until after midnight. The conversation was chiefly
about the sons future, and the father seemed to
take II for granted that his sons one aim in life
would be to get into the House of Commons, marry
into some powerful family, and, by every possible
means work himself into the peerage.
Next Monday morning Edward Oldham arrived
at Fort Crescent at about II O'Clock.
When he drove up the door the servant, who saw
his arrival from one Of the upper windows of the
house, ran down ~ welcome him with an enthu-
sasm which was due partly no doubt, To his Id
crafty, but partly aso should think TO his gen
eral affability and kindness of DISPOSITION. For
servants are much more sensitive on tie latter point
than many people suspect
"Well. Angelina he said ms he got out OF the
trap that brought him from the station, Il hope
you are all wen and happy
ayes, thank you, sir and hope you have come
To stay for some time with us. Miss Darrell did II I
expect you so early, or Pm sure she'd have been
at home to receive you, sir. But you'll find every
thing just as you left II.
And Miss SeyJnour-shc is quite well, hope p
"Yes sjr thank you She Is upstairs at present,
but she'll be down In few minutes Can get
you anything, sir p
Not at prcscnt, thank YOU. Pm going out in a
few MINUTES. You might tell Miss Sc, mour though
that Id like to see her for a minute before go
out.
ayes, sir. III tell her directly
In few minutes Miss Seymour came into the
room. She was pale but her manner was free from
any restr int or hesitation.
How do you do, Mr.. Oldham p she asked, In
a candid voice, as they shook hands
"Very well thank you, he replied. i"Angelna
has told me that you arc quite well. But should
not say so,' he added earnestly you look very
pale
"Oh, 1 am very well, she answered blushing. 81
was not aware that looked pale
81 am afraid that you Walt somebody to look
after YOU he said tenderly. Miss Seymour, you
know the question have to put to you. have
respected your wishes, and have not spoken to you
ON the subject before. But you know what has
brought me back. You cannot refuse me an answer
any longer. win you be my wifePs
."Have you seen your fathcrY'
Yes"
-"has he spoken to you on the subject of mar
riagc?"
''IIe has and ii IL as told you before He wants
me to marry come woman whose family would, ms
he thinks, be instrumental in getting me into the
pecrlge You know what think of that-eyen if
did not think Of you
And you propose instead to marry me, poor
,..itl .4,,,t or fnIrailX 2p